Park Reopening Announcement Coming Soon
The park has undergone $23 million of improvements and will allow public boating with voluntary boat cleaning services offered.
Glenn Cunningham Lake, a 390-acre lake surrounded by a 1,050-acre park in north central Omaha, is set to announce its reopening very soon. With the recent severe weather in the metropolitan area, Lake Cunningham was severely impacted and will remain closed until necessary tree debris is cleared and the park is deemed safe for public use. The Lake Cunningham Development Trust asks that people continue to check their website at ExploreTheC.com or follow them on social media for the upcoming opening date announcement and future park events.
The Lake Cunningham Development Trust, in partnership with the City of Omaha and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is maintaining and operating the park and has overseen the $23 million redevelopment project. Today, the Trust launches the park’s “new look” with a Lake Cunningham brand that integrates the former trademark lighthouse within the logo and encourages people to come “Explore the C!” and all the new improvements. The brand’s lighthouse has since been reconditioned and stationed in front of the marina docks as the lake’s focal point, this time in green and white.
“Our organization is really looking forward to seeing the activation that takes place with the additional park improvements when we open. Our hope is that the new brand and website give a sense of community pride for Lake Cunningham,” said Brook Bench, Executive Director of Lake Cunningham Development Trust “We envision generations coming together here for years to come to enjoy nature and an outdoor escape right here within our city limits.”
Completed improvements include a six-mile concrete multipurpose trail that loops around the lake and crosses over two new pedestrian bridges. The new loop trail is a never-before-seen experience that will attract both walkers and bikers, giving them the opportunity to enjoy nature and wildlife.
Campground reservations will also be made available soon. Lake Cunningham has 42 new campground stalls complete with water, power and sanitary at each pad as well as a new bathhouse facility. In addition, 41 upgraded camping stalls are in the existing campground with upgrades to the current bathhouse and advances to the electrical from 20 to 50 amplification. There are 17 tent camping spots. New grills and firepits will accompany all of the campground stalls. Campground reservations, pricing, and more information can be found on our website.
Security has been a top priority for the park. Security cameras and lighting have been integrated at entrances and park security will patrol the area seven days a week. Other entrance renovations include new gates, signage, and newly paved parking lots. All shelter buildings around the park have been renovated,1,100 new trees have been planted, and old trees and overgrown areas have been removed. Renovations have also been made to the existing restroom facility at the marina.
The public boat ramp will be open for use during park hours from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. In our efforts to stop the spread of the invasive zebra mussels species, the Lake Cunningham staff will offer a voluntary boat cleaning service during specified dates and times. All visitors are welcome to this complimentary service that will help in our campaign efforts to “Keep the C Clean!” Visit our website for details about the cleaning station, hours of operation, and location. For additional questions and to report aquatic invasive sightings please contact Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at npgc.ais@nebraska.gov or at 402-471-7602.
“We are looking forward to opening soon and seeing the positive impact that Lake Cunningham has for the community and addressing ways that we can better serve the public and parkgoers,” said Bench.
Drone video footage of Lake Cunningham and further commentary from Brook Bench available upon request.
ABOUT LAKE CUNNINGHAM
Lake Cunningham is a 390-acre lake surrounded by a 1,050-acre park located in north central Omaha at 8660 Lake Cunningham Road. The lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and recreation and opened to the public in 1977. The Lake Cunningham redevelopment project began in 2017 when donors and community members recognized the need for an updated park and formed the Lake Cunningham Development Trust. Learn more about Lake Cunningham at ExploreTheC.com. Lake Cunningham is responsive to the needs of its surroundings and aware of the desire to nourish the connectivity of nature by providing an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Our goal is to encourage a memorable, positive nature experience for those seeking discovery or relaxation in the outdoors.
